Chemistry at Cabrini University

A debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.61 suggests that borrowing $26,677 for a chemistry degree is manageable—if these estimates hold. Based on comparable programs in Pennsylvania, graduates typically earn around $43,500 in their first year, requiring about seven months of gross income to cover their educational debt. This aligns closely with both state and national chemistry benchmarks, where median earnings hover in the low-$40,000s and median debt sits around $24,000-$27,000. For context, Pennsylvania's chemistry programs show considerable variation, with top performers like Millersville ($50,500) and Drexel ($49,200) pulling ahead by $6,000-$8,000 annually.

The challenge here is uncertainty. Because Cabrini's chemistry cohort is too small for the Department of Education to publish actual outcomes, we're relying on what similar Pennsylvania programs produce. Chemistry degrees typically lead to lab technician, quality control, or research assistant positions initially, where salaries in the $40,000s are standard. The career trajectory matters significantly—whether graduates pursue graduate school, pivot to related fields like pharmaceutical sales, or remain in entry-level lab work will determine if this investment pays off.

Given Cabrini's 37% Pell grant population and accessible admissions, this program likely serves students who need affordable STEM pathways. The estimated debt burden appears reasonable compared to earning potential, but without school-specific data, parents should verify job placement rates and alumni outcomes directly with Cabrini's career services before committing.